Mosin Nagant questions...

[Frog48]

I was at Cabelas yesterday, and they had a bunch of Mosin Nagants. That in itself isnt unusual... however about 10 of them were identically "sporterized". They had synthetic Mossy Oak stocks, and looked pretty nice. They were tagged as "new", and priced $149. I dont know exactly what model they are, but the barrels are longer than M44's.

They also had a couple decent looking M44's, for $159. If I buy an M44, it will stay all original.

Should I even consider buying a sporterized MN? Are they reasonably accurate with iron sights? I think the MN in Mossy Oak would be a cool short range deer rifle. I know, I know... "bubba" and all that jazz. But what are your thoughts?

Do these prices sound OK?
Obviously they are more expensive than ordering them online, but since this is the only place I've found them locally, paying a little more than usual might be worth the convenience.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

I bought my M44 for $91 (including taxes) at a gun show, in exellent condition, laminated stock. I'm inclined to say that the Mosins at your Cabela's are overpriced. And, in my experience, they're fairly accurate with plain ol' iron sights. As for sporterizing...I don't know what to tell you there, as my M44 is all original. Depending on how much your FFL charges for transfers and shipping, you might be able to get cheaper Mosins from here:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/

 

[Caseless]

If the sporterized version has a bent bolt, then it's a very good deal.
Unless the M44s are actually M59s, or hard-chromed, a la ClassicArms-style, they are overpriced.

 

[Frog48]

Hmm, I cant remember if they're bent or straight bolt...

 

[nalioth]

Centerfire is taking their Mosins that they've gotten with stocks that are damaged, dropping them into Mossy Oak synthetic stocks and trumpeting them about like they're something special.

I'd prefer the traditional Mosin, the way Mr. Mosin designed it

 

[Clipper]

The Mossy Oak stocks are made by ATI and retail about $80.00...That makes the rifle $70.00. Sounds like a decent deal for a retail store to me. And if they shoot well enough, they'll do anything a 30-06 will...

 

[rangerruck]

that is a 91.30 sporterized, they also do that same rifle, with a cammo stock, with the same price, down here in houston. they should be nicely accurate, as well.

 

[bill larry]

I've seen the same ones at the Cabelas in Fort Worth. They look nicely done.

However, why not buy one of their K-31's? I bought mine a few weeks ago when hey had $30 off on purchases over 150, so I got it with a box of soft point including tax for like 140 something. A much better guarantee of accuracy.

 

[chris in va]

Gander Mountain has them too, $149 like you said. They look pretty nice actually with an aftermarket front sight added. A lot more ergonomic than the stock...stock.

 

[Expertowgunner]

Chances are they are Moisin Nagant 91/30 in ati gunstocks. yuck, this is often called "the poor poor mans hunting rifle" bysome of the local gun shops.
If you want a hunting rifle, buy one or better yet get a tactical rifle so you get a hunting, tactical, and all around bizitchin rifle. (Savage 10fp straight up)
80$ for a 91/30 with clean bore and laminated stock, it does the job for me

 

[MikeJackmin]

The biggest drawback to hunting with a M/N is that the safety is essentially unusable, so you'd have to carry it with an empty chamber.